“We’ve no time for collapses, nervous or otherwise,” Dennis replied. “We shall want our wits about us, and we shall need all the vitality we can muster. But at the same time I don’t think there is any cause for nerves. You’re not the sort of man, Ron, to let your nerves get the better of you in an emergency, especially if we can prove that our enemy is a tangible quantity, and not a conglomeration of waves and vibrations.”
“Hilderman and his friend appear to be waiting for us,” I interrupted.
“You may as well introduce me,” said Dennis. “I’d like to meet the man. Who is his friend, do you know?”
“Haven’t the remotest idea,” I replied. “I have seen him once before, but that is all. I don’t know who he is.”
“Is he staying with Hilderman, or does he live in the neighbourhood?”
“That I couldn’t tell you either,” I said. “I’m sure he doesn’t live anywhere near Invermalluch.”
As we strolled out of the station Hilderman and his companion were standing chatting by the gate which leads on to the pier. As we approached, Hilderman turned to me with a smile.
“Ah, Mr. Ewart,” he exclaimed, “your friend has left you, then. I hope you won’t let his inability to help Miss McLeod depress you unduly. While there’s life there’s hope.”
“I shall not give up hope yet awhile, anyway,” I answered heartily.
“May I introduce my friend Mr. Fuller?” he asked presently, and I found myself shaking hands with the round-faced little man, who blinked at me pleasantly through his glasses. I returned the compliment by introducing Dennis.